DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

Why haven't I reviewed this yet? I reviewed most of The Mars Volta's albums and I haven't gotten to Deloused yet?! Guess I should get my priorities straight.

Unlike what some may believe this is technically not their first musical venture, that being Tremulant EP, which came out a year before. There we would get a rough draft of what The Mars Volta would make in their following debut LP, being a mix of post-hardcore frenzies with unique prog and art rock sensibilities.

This is arguably probably their most At The Drive-In styled album in their discography, as its post-hardcore sound has a similar edge to that of Relationship of Command, though obviously with a more prog edge. I believe what really appeals to me about this record is that it basically kick-started a new movement for progressive rock as a whole, that being the subgenre of alt prog. This wasn't the actual first alt prog album out there as Coheed & Cambria's The Second Stage Turbine Blade came out a year prior, but that record was more focused on emo and pop punk, rather than a full blown entwining of prog rock and alt rock. In a way, Deloused in the Comatorium was the first to have done it, which definitely gives it staying power.

And its fusion of post-hardcore and prog rock is really good I think. Obviously it's a bit different from the band's future workings, especially since the next album, Frances The Mute, would bump the progginess by a wide margin, but for what it is worth Deloused, at least I think, combines punk with prog really well.

In fact, I'd argue this album is the band at their most Pink Floyd inspired. Noctourniquet would be a bit close due to its more psychedelic sound, but weirdly enough Deloused just has the same edge that you may find off of Dark Side of the Moon, or Animals for me. It's mostly because of the space rock infused production, which makes everything feel like it comes from space. Pretty perfect for an album that is themed around a man falling into a coma and having to fight his way out of it.

Though, I do prefer what they would do later on. More of a personal thing with The Mars Volta more than anything. I still really like this album a whole lot, but I cannot deny and say I don't much rather prefer their wild and jazzy stuff.

In fact, I'd argue this album is a bit clean, which does work for its debut status as it is the band trying to wrangle as many fans in, but still I am more fond of the wild side that the Mars Volta has. It only really gets crazy on the same tier as something like Frances or Bedlam on a few occasions, and only towards the end. I think the 2003 live EP (simply called Live) does a good job at bridging the gap between the two by making some tracks on here feel more akin to what they'll sound like later on.

Obviously, different strokes for different folks. The debate between whether Deloused or Frances is the better album has gone through circles and circles around the internet, and honestly speaking, that debate never quite mattered to me. Even though I prefer Frances, Deloused has its own strengths too. It is an incredibly well made debut for an equally incredible band. Really, loving it is a given.

Best tracks: Inertiatic ESP, Drunkship of Lanterns, Cicatriz ESP, This Apparatus Must be Unearthed, Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt

Worst tracks: Son et lumière, Tira me a las arañas

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